Keep those tax dollars in Newport Beach this Christmas and give a gift you can open again and again.
The folks at Martha’s Bookstore on Balboa Island share their favorite books to give as gifts.
“The Wisdom of Wooden: My Century On and Off the Court” by John Wooden and Steve Jamison. $22. The final book from legendary Coach John Wooden is filled with fond personal memories, warm advice and never before seen photographs
“Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” by David Sedaris $19.99. A unique blend of hilarity and heart, this illustrated collection of irreverent animal tales is a must read.
“Simple Times” by Amy Sedaris $27.99. The perfect gift for crafty friends and friends who think about making presents. It will keep you is stitches.
“I Remember Nothing” by Nora Ephron $21.95 Filled with insights and observations that ring true and make you laugh.
“Locals Only” by Hugh Holland and Steve Crist. $39.95. This book is a time machine that captures a unique period of skateboard history. It has120 large-format color images of skateboarders set against a sunny California landscape.
For children:
“Look Who is Coming” from VaZu Kids, Inc. 14.95 This is an interactive lift-the-flap board book that you personalize with your family photos. Meet the authors Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Bon Bon Voyage” by Kirby Fopma & Holly Wojahn with CD of seven original songs by Roger and Scott Wojohn. $14.95. While waiting for dessert, Bridget starts to wonder what children around the world eat for dessert. Travel with Bridget and learn about tasty treats and fun facts from many cultures. Meet the authors Sunday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
“Llama Llama, Holiday Drama” by Anna Dawdney. $16.99 If there’s one thing Llama Llama doesn’t like, it’s waiting. He and Mama rush around shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree … but how long is it until Christmas?
“It’s Christmas, David!” By David Shannon. $16.99. If you love Christmas, you’ll understand why David is so excited this time of year.
“Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique” by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. $17.99. Who better to play dress up with than Fancy Nancy!
“All the World” by Liz Garton Scanlon, Illustrated by Marla Frazee. $17.99. The 2010 SCIBA Children’s Picture Book Award winner is a touching holiday story.
From Lido Village Books, here are a few holiday gift recommendations.
For the grownups in the family:
“Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories” by Simon Winchester. Takes you on an unforgettable journey of unprecedented scope.
“Colonel Roosevelt” by Edmund Morris. This is the third volume of Morris’ exceptional, prize- winning trilogy on Theodore Roosevelt.
“The Hard Way Around: The Passages of Joshua Slocum” by Geoffrey Wolff. A well-deserved biography of the man who endured hurricanes, shipwrecks, pirate attacks, and cholera during the Golden Age of Sailing.
“I Found this Funny.” Judd Apatow’s favorite pieces of humor from Ernest Hemingway to Alice Munro to Conan O’Brien.
“Classic Homes of Los Angeles” by Douglas Woods. This Rizzoli volume offers an exclusive look into the classic homes and gardens of the LA area’s legendary neighborhoods.
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. The bestselling author of Seabiscuit tells us the unforgettable story of the Berlin Olympian turned heroic bombardier and ultimate survivor.
“Autobiography of Mark Twain.” Volume I of everything Twain!
And for the kids:
“Olivia Goes to Venice.” Adults will also enjoy everyone’s favorite little pig’s journey through the canals of one of the world’s favorite cities.
“The World Almanac for Kids.” This 2011 edition provides thousands of facts on every topic from the Olympics to fashion to “Twilight.”
“D’Aulairs’ Book of Greek Myths.” First published 40 years ago, this classic is a must for every young person’s library.
And here are Paige Turner’s Hanukkah picks. Celebrate Hanukkah with a book and a nosh! Kids will love these Latke themed picture books especially if they can make latkes and eat them after they read the book.
“The Runaway Latke” by Leslie Kimmelman. A new twist on the Gingerbread Man of the “Run, run as fast as you can…” fame. Rebecca is in the synagogue kitchen preparing latkes when three jump out of the pan. “Big and round crisp and brown, off we roll to see the town! And YOU can’t catch us!” they shout. Sure enough, past the rabbi’s study, the cantor’s room, and into town while being chased.
“The Flying Latke” by Arthur Yorinks, “With art by” William Steig. This is the funniest Hanukkah book out there. When Uncle Izzy and Uncle Shecky get in a fight over whether it was a Buick or Ford that cut them off, the argument gets a little heated. “I’ll show you a Buick he said. His wrist gave a flick and the latke went flying.” The latke flies out the window and you can’t imagine what happens next. The hilarious story is enjoyed by adults as much as children and the use of photographs and cartoons is a multimedia masterpiece of fun.
